Wednesday, November 30, 2011

We’ve long loved dogs for being man’s best friend, but now the RSPCA has even more reason to love dogs … RED DOG!

RED DOG, is being released DVD tomorrow, 1 December 2011 and $1 from the sale of every DVD sold in Coles supermarkets during the month of December will go to the RSPCA.

RED DOG is set to be the biggest Australian DVD release of the year. The film, which is still playing in cinemas, has grossed a remarkable $21.1m at the box-office to date, and is the 8th highest-grossing Australian film of all-time.

The film tells the incredible true-story of a wandering kelpie who befriends an entire mining community in the Pilbara region of WA in the 1970s. The canine star of the movie, ‘Koko’, has won the hearts of Australians, with more than 4,000 fans on Facebook.

RSPCA Australia CEO Heather Neil said that the RSPCA is thrilled to partner with Roadshow.

“The RSPCA is delighted that Roadshow and Woss Group Film Productions have chosen to partner with the RSPCA for the release of the RED DOG DVD.”

“Last year the RSPCA cared for over 155,000 animals yet less than 3 per cent of the RSPCA’s national funding comes from government, so we rely on the generosity of Australians to keep our doors open.

“Funds raised through this initiative will support the work of the RSPCA in caring for and rehoming animals, investigating cases of animal abuse and cruelty and campaigning for stronger animal protection laws in Australia.”

RED DOG producer Nelson Woss said “the RED DOG film has roamed the world and wherever we go we try to support a local dog shelter or charity. We are thrilled to support the RSPCA with the DVD release and hope that the Australian audiences that came out to see RED DOG also support RSPCA's important cause”.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

To celebrate being a Guardian Angel, we’d love to reward you with your very own halo. Please go to our Guardian Gallery and upload an image of yourself or your pet and tell us why you became an RSPCA Guardian Angel.

Each year, the numbers of Guardian Angels grows. Many of you return again and again to help new animals have happier, safer Christmases. And because you are our very own animal angels, we'd like to give you a halo for your efforts! Please join our Guardian Gallery by uploading an image and telling us why you decided to donate to this cause. Don't forget to indicate how many times you've been an RSPCA Guardian Angel and we'll add the halos!

Monday, November 28, 2011

Simba is a big confident boy looking for a place to call his own! He has been waiting for months for a new home having been in the care of the RSPCA since March of this year. He originally came to the Wagga Wagga RSPCA branch where they had him available for adoption. He was transferred to the Sydney shelter in June to try and help him find his forever home and has been waiting ever since.

He likes company and will jump up to sit with you on the lounge or happily sleep on the bed but isn't an overly cuddly cat. He may not be suited to a home with young children who don't understand he needs his own space.

He isn’t a fan of staying at the shelter so we have had him living with a devoted foster carer while still being available to be adopted. His profile appears on the adoptapet website but because he isn’t on view at the Sydney Shelter he has missed out on being spotted when people come to visit. To help him find his new family quicker we have reduced his adoption fee to $80. He is desexed, microchipped, up to date with his vaccinations, worming and flea treatment and has had a full vet check. We are also including an adoption pack to go home with Simba (including a bag of Hills Science Diet Feline Adult biscuits, a bag of kitty litter, a blanket and some toys).

His foster carer is going away in 3 weeks time and we are hoping to have Simba settled into a new home before then. Please help Simba find a fur-ever home before Xmas!

If you're interested and would like to meet'n'greet Simba, please call (02) 9770-7555 and organize a play date today!

Friday, November 25, 2011

When Sugar was first brought to the RSPCA she was in bad shape. She had been struggling to feed a litter of pups with inadequate food and was extremely emaciated and unwell. Vet staff and Animal Attendents who have been with the RSPCA for many, many years were shocked at Sugars state. Though, after many weeks of special care and a little R+R, Sugar's condition improved and her beautiful personaility began to shine through. And it must be said, she is sweeter than a bowl of honey coated sugar cubes!

Sugar is a very affectionate dog and loves cuddles. She is looking for a home where she will get regular walks and exercise, and where she will also be included in family life as much as possible. Sugar is social with other dogs but any potential doggy mates should be introduced to her at the shelter prior to adoption, as she sometimes gets annoyed by over excited dogs.

Sugar is not suitable for a home with cats or other small pets as she will chase them.

Sugar has had some problems with ear infections while in the care of the RSPCA, and it is likely she will require extra care (such as regular cleaning and possibly intermittent medical treatments) for her ears for the rest of her life.

She is currently being fed with a special low allergy food to help prevent a recurrence of her ear problems, and she nmay need to remain on this diet for life.

Potential new owners are required to attend a consult with an RSPCA vet before adopting Sugar so her ear problems and dietary requirements can be properly discussed.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

﻿﻿Looking to find a gift for the furry child in your life that has everything? And help support your favorite animal welfare organisation at the same time?

Your dog will be sure to drool this 'Yule' over these fun and festive goodies from Doggone Gorgeous, available exclusively at PETstock outlets nationally - sales of which help the RSPCA.

All dressed up and somewhere to go! “Tis the season for some serious party pet fun and won’t pooch look doggone dapper wearing this cheeky festive-themed tee that comes with the RSPCA “woof of approval” for superior design, comfort and quality. Available in XS, S, M & L.

Forget the bone, studded collar and doggie treats, your pooch will go barking mad for these funky Christmas-themed toys that can be used as a retriever or tug and are sure to provide endless hours of entertainment and mental stimulation for pooch whilst you enjoy your festive celebrations! This gift makes a great stocking stuffer for your dog or for the dog lovers in your life. Choose from 3 grrr-oovy buddy characters - Red Reindeer, Blue Dog and Green Dog.

On Saturday, 26th November RSPCA NSW, TAFE NSW and Bunnings Warehouse will join forces once again for the 9th annual Doghouse Challenge. The Challenge showcases the designs and craftsmanship of TAFE NSW students using materials provided by Bunnings Warehouse to build doghouses for RSPCA NSW. This year’s Challenge will be hosted by Bunnings Warehouse in Hoxton Park.

TAFE student teams from the Hunter, Sydney Metropolitan, Blue Mountains and Illawarra regions will have 30 minutes to construct their doghouses, after which time judging will commence. RSPCA NSW Shelter dogs will be on hand to inspect and “evaluate” the finished products.

“We’re always really impressed with the doghouse designs,” said RSPCA NSW Animal Wellbeing Support Coordinator Hannah Burfitt. “The students work really hard and put a lot of thought into constructing houses that are suitable for and appealing to dogs."

Awards will be presented based on teamwork, design, decoration, originality and eco-friendliness, just to name a few.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

﻿﻿﻿﻿ From 21st November through 2nd December, RSPCA’s Broken Hill Shelter will cut feline adoption fees in half. With kitten season in full swing, RSPCA Shelter staff hopes the reduced adoption fee will help them rehome 30 felines currently in their care.

During this time, the following adoption fees will apply*:

Kittens up to twelve months old - $80
Adult cats up to six years old - $60
Senior cats over six years old - $40

“Summer and spring are always busy times for us, particularly when it comes to kittens,” said RSPCA Broken Hill Shelter Supervisor Merridy Wall. “Right now we’ve got over 20 kittens waiting to find new homes.”

The RSPCA reminds the public that pets are a long-term commitment and should be a considered purchase, not an impulse buy.

“Owning a pet can be a big responsibility,” said Ms Wall. “But for those people who are ready to commit to a pet, we hope this initiative will encourage their decision to come to the RSPCA before looking elsewhere."

Cats adopted from the RSPCA are behaviour assessed, desexed, microchipped, health checked, vaccinated and up to date on their flea and worming treatments.

The RSPCA Broken Hill Shelter is located on South Road and is open six days a week (closed Sundays) for adoptions. To view animals available for adoption, visit http://www.adoptapet.com.au/.

Monday, November 21, 2011

He knows if you've been scent tagging - Santa Paws is on his way! Join us at the Rouse Hill Care Centre on the 3rd & 10th of December and have your pets keepsake photo taken with Santa Paws.

To help our much loved furry friends get into the Christmas spirit this year, the RSPCA Care Centre at Rouse Hill is proud to announce that Santa Paws will be instore for a purrrrrrfect Christmas photo for 2011!

Photos will take place on December 3rd and 10th between the hours of 10am and 4 pm so get your tails down to the Care Centre on Civic Way in the Rouse Hill Town Centre to avoid being on the naughty dog list!

Friday, November 18, 2011

Charlie has been at the Blue Mountains RSPCA Shelter for several months now and sadly has not yet been adopted. The fact is that he's a loving and playful boy who enjoys spending time with people and all his doggy friends. He is a boisterous dog that would benefit from a lot of time and obedience training, he has already learned to sit and responds very well to lot's of interaction and stimuli.

Charlie would need to go to a home with a secure, fully fenced yard - approximately 5 feet high to make sure he cannot escape. He would also need to be introduced to other dogs before going to a new home with them. Charlie is looking for a home where his owners will provide toys, mental stimuli, daily exercise and lots and lots of love.

He is only $300 to adopt which includes all of the following: Vet Check, Desexing, Current vaccination, Flea Control, Microchip, Heartworm Treatment, Worming, Behaviour Assessment, 30-day Pet Insurance and a Friend for Life.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

RSPCA NSW’s Community Animal Welfare Schemes (CAWS) program will visit central western NSW from 7th to 11th November to offer reduced-rate veterinary services to pet owners in Condobolin and educate school-aged children about important animal welfare issues.

CAWS – a subsidised, means-tested pet desexing and microchipping scheme – promotes responsible pet ownership and helps pensioners and low income earners improve their pets’ quality of life. Additionally, the program aims to help improve animal welfare and reduce the number of unwanted animals impounded each year.

The program also advocates education and public awareness to teach community members and school-aged children about responsible pet ownership, animal welfare and the importance of desexing.

“Education is an important aspect of CAWS,” said RSPCA NSW Education Officer Zoe Dawson. “It teaches students that they can make a difference to the health and welfare of animals and pets.”

The education program is suitable for audiences of all ages and can be tailored to suit the needs and size of the group.

Ms Dawson is currently visiting schools in the Condobolin area, and will travel to Trundle to visit students at Trundle Central School.

Monday, November 7, 2011

A brand new cattery and boarding facility has been installed at RSPCA’s Broken Hill Shelter. The new structure is thanks to one local supporter’s generous bequest, which was made specifically to fund this project.

RSPCA Broken Hill Shelter Supervisor Merridy Wall said the new cattery design is the first of its kind in Broken Hill and will offer a more comfortable stay for privately-owned cats boarding at the Shelter.

“The new cattery can house up to 12 cats at a time,” said Ms Wall. “The units are large enough so that two cats from the same family can be housed together. This is beneficial, as it can help reduce stress among cats while they’re staying in an unfamiliar environment.”

Each unit features its own outdoor balcony where cats can enjoy fresh air and relax in the sunshine.

“The old cattery was a communal housing design,” said Dr Dixon-Hughes. “This made it more difficult for staff to determine whether all animals were eating and drinking regularly, or if any patterns were being distrupted. The new facility will enable us to monitor each animal closely and ensure their wellbeing while in our care.”

Friday, November 4, 2011

Tess is a sweet girl who has been with us now for over 9 months and is looking for a forever home with a loving and experienced family, who will ensure that she receives the love, attention, training and socialising that she needs. She would love to be an active member of the family, and be included in as many daily activities as possible.

Tess is a strong girl and will be best suited to a home with no children under the age of 10 yrs as she could easily knock them over and accidently hurt them. Older children should be shown how to best interact with her, and should be encouraged to participate in Tess's training.

Tess has a lot of energy to burn, and needs at least one large walk daily. When left alone, she should have free access to plenty of toys and boredom busters like Kongs.

Tess is quite excitable around other dogs, and may jump on them. For this reason, we recommend that if you have another dog at home and you were considering Tess for your family, that they come in to meet Tess first. This is just to ensure that they get along well.

Cats and pocket pets are quite exciting to Tess and for that reason she cannot go home with any as she tends to chase them.

Tess will also need to have a fully secure yard with minimum 5ft fences. We recommend good quality colourbond with no gaps or foot-holes so she is kept safe and secure.

She will need a quick brush every couple of days, and a bath every 6-8 weeks or whenever she's dirty to keep her looking her beautiful best!

Tess is available from the RSPCA Yagoona Shelter. You can view his Adopt-A-Pet profile HERE.

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About us

The RSPCA - The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals - is Australia's pre-eminent animal welfare organisation. We provide a strong voice for animals experiencing cruelty and neglect. The RSPCA is not a government agency and receives only a very small amount of funding from the Government. We rely on the generosity of the community and our own fundraising initiatives to fund our vital work.